After sending their replies to Hogwarts, Hermione pestered Arthur to teach her the Glintstone Pebble spell.
Helpless, Arthur explained the casting principles once. The little witch tried for half the day, but nothing happened.
She felt like her magic inside her body simply refused to obey. Or rather—she could only vaguely sense it at all. After all, today was the first time she even learned magic was real. The mystical side of the world is already pretty idealistic—especially in the Harry Potter universe.
If you asked wizards how they cast spells, most would tell you: "Wave your wand with a special motion, chant the incantation, and boom—it works."
Only a few would explain that the hand movements plus wand guide the magic, while the incantation is a form of linguistic power. Together, the three factors unleash the spell.
And if a wizard's control over magic reaches an extremely high level, they can skip one part—achieving wandless or silent casting. Some rare spells, thanks to their unique nature, can even be cast without both.
Of course, all this "theory" was something Arthur had pieced together in his previous life from fanfics. Whether it's true or not—he'd need to study real wizarding knowledge later to confirm.
But regardless, little Hermione, who hadn't even studied the basics of magic and didn't have a wand yet, had no way to cast Glintstone Pebble.
As for Arthur? Sorry—not everyone can share the joy of being a cheat-player.
"Ugh! Why can't I do it? Cousin, did you even teach me properly?" The future little witch pouted in frustration.
"Hmm, maybe it's because you don't have a wand yet? You know, in stories, wizards always use wands, right?" Arthur guessed aloud.
"Hmph! Then why can you cast spells without a wand?"
"Heh, that's different. Technically speaking… this spell was created by me!"
Thick-skinned, Arthur shamelessly claimed Glintstone Pebble as his own creation. After all, he'd be throwing around more otherworldly magic in the future. Better to establish the persona of a "magic genius" early, otherwise things would be hard to explain later.
(Glintstone Sorcerer, somewhere in another world: "Glint… what, little brother?!")
"Fine then! Once I get my wand, you'd better teach me again. If I still can't do it, I'll ignore you for a whole week… no, three days!"
She shrank the punishment time after thinking it over. After all, with her cousin's supposed "spell-creating" genius, she'd probably have to ask him for help often. Maybe she could even steal a few unique spells from him.
"Okay, okay! Once you get your wand, I'll make sure you learn it. But remember—keep it secret that I can create magic!"
"Why secret?" Hermione tilted her head.
"Because your cousin is too much of a genius. I'm afraid evil wizards might kidnap me for twisted experiments."
At that, Hermione nodded frantically—she definitely didn't want to lose her cousin who'd been so nice to her.
Arthur liked to act high-key but live low-key. He wasn't the type who enjoyed standing in the spotlight. Online, he could chat, joke, or flame anyone. But in reality? He was basically a social-anxious homebody.
This type of person we usually just call: an otaku.
He mostly didn't want to attract the attention of powerful figures. With his current abilities, survival wasn't a problem. But what about the Grangers?
The art of survival: always be cautious. Who doesn't want a few extra trump cards, while hoping no one notices them?
Staying in the shadows, moving pieces on the board—that was the most fun way to play.
Besides, he genuinely wanted to attend Hogwarts. To study. To compare this world's magic with the sorceries of the Elden Ring.
Speaking of which, he remembered that in second year Hermione would have a book called The Beginner's Guide to Ancient Runes. That script, originating 1,500 years ago in Northern Europe, was said to contain magical power.
And in third year, there was even an elective class: Study of Ancient Runes. Clearly, those runes were deeply tied to magic.
He thought of this because in the Elden Ring, the currency and the very essence used to level up was called "Runes." A different translation, but the same "rune."
It made sense then—why could he so easily cast game spells in this world. The magical systems of both worlds must have common ground.
With that thought, he could barely wait to dive into the Hogwarts library and begin his journey: uncovering the essence of magic, chasing truth itself.
As for Dumbledore's whole savior plan? He fully intended to meddle in that game of chess.
After all, the original story contained plenty of goodies—the Philosopher's Stone, the Invisibility Cloak, the Resurrection Stone… even Voldemort's trick of splitting his soul into Horcruxes.
To Arthur, Horcruxes looked exactly like a lich's phylactery. Store your soul essence in some object, hide it where no one could find it—then your enemies can't kill you completely.
Of course, Voldemort's Horcruxes were way sloppier. Not only were they made from flashy, recognizable objects, he didn't even bother to hide them properly.
If it were Arthur? He'd just turn some random pebble into a Horcrux and chuck it into the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Good luck finding it.
Everyone has their guilty pleasures. For a netizen like him, with that mischievous, "troll" streak—it was only natural. If he got dropped into the Nasuverse, people would probably call him one of those "delightful freaks."
Right now, Arthur was like a fitness coach watching old men play chess in the park. Drop a hint here, a reminder there—and both the old men still couldn't beat him, but also didn't dare complain.
Not the perfect analogy, but still—it captured that joyful feeling of messing with the board and nudging things toward your own desired outcome.
Step one: trick Hermione into Ravenclaw. A genius like her—how could she not be in Ravenclaw?
Just look at her—Arthur thought she'd storm off in frustration after failing at Glintstone Pebble.
But instead, she came right back with two thick books, eager to ask him more questions. In the end, even Arthur spent the whole day reading with her.
Thanks to his Extraordinary Aptitude talent, his memory was freakishly sharp—basically photographic after a single read. His comprehension speed was off the charts too.
This taste of "scholar-god life" was so sweet that even he got addicted.
Night fell. Arthur entered the Elden Ring again.
Melina sensed his presence immediately. But she didn't appear. She decided to observe this unusual Tarnished a little longer.
Teleporting back to the Church of Elleh, Arthur opened his eyes—only to see a blue figure sitting on the ruins.
A doll in form, clad in icy robes, wearing a massive witch's hat. One-eyed, four-armed, her whole body radiated a cold, deep aura—like a pale, distant moon.
This was none other than the officially designated heroine, the one who could actually walk beside the player to the end, and the Tarnished's most beloved wife: the witch Ranni.
"…Tarnished. Come closer. Will you spare me a word or two?"
Her voice snapped Arthur from his thoughts.
"A first meeting, is it not? I am the witch Renna."
"I heard of a Tarnished who rides a spectral steed. Took me a little time to find… and it seems that was you."
Arthur (inwardly): …Sis, I only summoned Torrent once, right outside the Gatefront Ruins, just to grab the map fragment. And you found me already? Your 'little time' really was little!
"Greetings, fair lady. My name is Arthur. And yes—I can summon Torrent."
"…Hmm. A good answer. I have something to give you—entrusted to me by Torrent's former master."
She drew out a bell and a small container with ashes inside.
"The Spirit Calling Bell, and the Lone Wolf Ashes. With these, you may summon spirits who have yet to return to the Erdtree, to aid you in battle."
"Use them as you see fit, Tarnished. Now I sha—"
Just as Ranni was about to vanish, Arthur quickly spoke up:
"Wait! My lady, may I not serve you instead?"
Her body stilled.
"Oh? Are you not one of those Tarnished who obey the Two Fingers? Why seek me out? Or… do you approach me with ulterior motives?"
"You misunderstand. Actually… I don't even have a Finger Maiden. So, the Golden Order? Doesn't matter to me."
(Melina, observing in the shadows: Excuse me—I'm not human?)
"…Interesting. Free, then. Very well. Taste the lands between for now. Should fate allow us to meet again, then you may serve me. Intriguing Tarnished… no, Arthur. Remember this—my true name is Ranni. One who seeks the path into the darkest depths."
With that, she dissolved into cold moonlight and vanished.